By Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

In my family we have a saying for whenever someone is about to drive somewhere. We say, “BCWOFTOG!”

This mumbo jumbo of letters stands for, “Be careful. Watch out for the other guy.”

And so I just wanted to say, “BCWOFTOG” if you are heading out of town for the holiday weekend.

I know many Selma residents may be traveling to those Fourth of July family cookouts or even summer vacation, and I just want to send out a blanket warning to everyone who is anticipating fun in the sun elsewhere.

AAA is predicting “39 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday weekend.” And although we’re driving less because of gas prices, AAA says about 84 percent of holiday travelers still count on automobile transport as their dominant method of tranportation.

Working in this business, I see and hear about car wrecks every day. Of course, we all do.

People falling asleep at the wheel, people who were texting while driving, cars malfunctioning, driving under the influence of alcohol — the list of reasons for dangerous traffic accidents goes on and on.

I don’t always pay close attention when I’m warned to be careful on the road, but I’ve been through enough near misses in regards to rear-ending someone to know: keeping both eyes on the road is vital.

While I understand the Fourth of July is our time to party and celebrate independence, there’s no reason to trade safety for fun and frivolity — as luck would have it, you can have both.

So remember what your mama taught you.

Look both ways. Don’t take risks. Just say no.

Be careful out there, and remember my family’s other saying as well — DBTOG, or, don’t be the other guy.